The contenders

Which of these 10 superminis is today's best buy and which are past their sell-by? We reveal all

Banks. Government. Local councils. It seems that many of us have had enough of being squeezed by the recession and CO2-based company car taxation and parking charges, and we are looking for a way out.

That big car we've taken for granted all these years suddenly doesn't look quite so appealing now that it costs so much more to keep it on the road.

Many of us are rediscovering the charms of the small cars we grew up with downsizing is the industry term for it and we're realising that today's best superminis provide 80% of the comfort, refinement and luxury we've become used to for about 50% of the price.

Here, we've drawn 10 of the best together although, frankly, there are another 10 we would liked to have included. The cars here include three current or former What Car? Cars of the Year, one model that's homing in on its 10th birthday and another that's hot off the press.

Thinking of downsizing? Then read on.

The contenders at a glance
Click on the image, below, for a quick overview of all the contenders.